If you think wine is all that Sonoma has to offer, think again! Visit an African savannah at Safari West, a family-friendly wildlife preserve near Santa Rosa that’s home to more than 700 animals. From big ticket African animals such as cheetahs and giraffes to quirky lemurs and graceful flamingos, you’ll see a range of wildlife during a 3-hour Jeep tour. Bring your kids and have a fun and educational experience as you hear fun facts about the animals from a knowledgeable safari guide and learn about Safari West’s conservation efforts. Choose from a selection of start times when booking.
In a region known for high-end wine and sophisticated food, Safari West offers one of the most family-friendly activities in wine country, so bring your kids along! When you arrive at the preserve, about a 20-minute drive north of downtown Santa Rosa, meet your safari guide and hop in your open-air Jeep to begin your wildlife tour of the ‘Sonoma Serengeti.’
For three hours, explore the 400-acre (162-hectare) preserve both in the Jeep and on foot, and travel over rugged dirt roads in search of exotic animals. During the tour, your guide will tell you all about the wildlife at the preserve, including endangered species such as the Cape buffalo, springbok, blue wildebeest and red lechwe (a type of antelope). Learn how Safari West works to promote conservation of these beautiful wild animals.
On your drive, pass by herds of African animals including gazelles, zebras, oryx, antelopes and — everyone’s favorite — giraffes, who may just come right up to the Jeep to look you in the eye. Then, hop out of your vehicle with your guide to walk for roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Admire flamingos and other colorful birds in the open-air aviary, observe cheetahs up close, check out the residents of Lemur Island, and laugh at the antics of the monkeys.
When your tour ends, take some time to browse the gift shop for souvenirs such as jewelry, T-shirts and African art. You can also have lunch or dinner at the on-site Savannah Cafe (own expense; see the Exclusions for more details).
Please provide your contact information (i.e. 'on the road' contact number) at time booking.
Great day with a great guide in a wonderful setting.
Review by: Tana K, August 2017
We enjoyed the tour of course! Our guide a man having been there for 10 years was so informative. We liked the experience and would recommend it to others.
Review by: sspence1922, July 2017
The concept was great, but the execution a bit frightening. Let me first say, that our tour guide Robert was a real treat. Very amiable, knowledgeable and passionate about being a conservationist. The biggest area of opportunity, I would say, are the tour jeepsthey could stand to be upgraded with environmentally friendly and safer models. The vehicles not accessible for people with disabilities. And even able-bodied persons could potentially have trouble climbing in and out. There are no seat belts inside of the jeeps, no hand rails, nor guardrails to hold on to it's a safety disaster waiting to happen. Additionally, the exhaust fumes were bothersome. My advice, go for the experience, but bring a bandana to guard against the dust and diesel exhaust fumes. You may also want to have an alcoholic beverage or two from the gift shop to take your mind off the potential of falling out of the jeep and over the mountain into the man-made river.
Review by: collo, May 2017
The trip was incredible.Amazing tour guides. Loved it
Review by: TERRY M, April 2017
Did the visit / tour with my 21 year old granddaughter and had a great day! Will plan to do an overnight visit in the future with my husband.
Review by: Roy H, April 2017
Excellent tour and facility. Really enjoyed seeing the animals in their natural state. Our driver, who had been there for 10+years was very knowledgeable and informative. A great family activity.
Review by: Stephanie W, January 2017
It was an Amazing experience with some Amazing knowledge and animals. Jeff our guide was Amazing!!!
Review by: Fraley, November 2016
This was such a wonderful treat and experience. The staff was so accommodating. I had an issue where I needed to reschedule my tour time. There was no problem, no hassle and they were able to get me on another tour. Then there was the animals. There are cheetahs and monkeys, birds, rhinos and giraffes and many more. You get up close and personal with our furry friends. John was our guide and we learned a lot. I haven't been this excited in a long time. Definitely bring the family, you will not regret it!
Review by: Debra S, September 2016
This tour is highly recommened although viator does not make it clear that you need to contact the ranch directly to confirm at least two days before the tour date. However it is well worth the money and a fantastic tour.
Review by: Claire H, August 2016
My entire family enjoyed the experience...10 and 13 year old grandsons!
Review by: Georgia H, July 2016
We went on a 9 am tour with Ross. We absolutely loved riding in the jeep to see the animals. Rosswasfull of good information as well as a good driver. We loved all the wonderful animals that we saw that are mostly native to Africa. They appear to be well taken care of and are thriving!!!!it is wonderful to have such a great place to visit in California.
Review by: Karen B, July 2016
We had a great time on the jeep tour. We took our grandchildren 5, 8, 10 and they thought it was wonderful. It was amazing to be in the areas with the animals. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and responsive to all of our questions. It was my second trip and just as enjoyable as the first one.
Review by: Guillermo M, June 2016
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Neille F, June 2016
It was a fun experience for the whole family. Kids enjoyed riding on the top of the jeep to get a more adventurous tour. Animals are up close and personal. Guide is knowledgeable and friendly.
Review by: Lanie R, June 2016
Amazing would do it again even in the rain
Review by: Dana M, May 2016
Our guide Jason was very personable, lots of animals to be seen, lunch was yummy!
Review by: Sharon S, May 2016
It was pretty dang awesome to see exotic animals so close to the jeep while we were driving around. It was probably an even more awesome experience for those sitting up on top. I really enjoyed our guide's extensive knowledge about the animals and his ability to lead us through the safari with all our limbs attached! It was definitely a wild experience and I would come back again with my fiance sometimes in the future for sure! Highly recommended.... for those who love animals and being in the wild.
Review by: Jeanne L, May 2016
I enjoyed this tour. Adrian was a great tour guide and was very knowledgeable. We had plenty of time to take photos of the animals. And most of all, it was evident that the animals were well taken care of._br/_ It was worth every penny!
Review by: Janis M, April 2016
I thought the tour was wonderful and our guide extremely knowledgable. However, the lunch after was not good -- and a waste of money.
Review by: Pat B, February 2016
Great guide. Lots of fun.
Review by: Kimberly C, February 2016
Excellent! Organized, started on time, beautiful grounds and a very knowledgeable and friendly guide Richard. Would love to go back and spend the night one of the tents.
Review by: Linda L, November 2015
It was a great family trip. My grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed it and wants to go back and stay overnight this time. I give them 5 stars.
Review by: Darrin C, September 2015
What a great experience. Everything that I had hoped for and more. Knowledgeable staff and happy to educate. Great way to spend part of your vacation in California!
Review by: Debra F, September 2015
Absolutely loved Safari West in Santa Rosa! Our tour guide Travis was wonderful, knowledgeable and made our tour extra special! Can't wait to go back and spend the night next time in their beautiful tents!
Review by: Laurie G, September 2015
Safari West is a unique and wonderful experience. A guided walk through the aviaries and a two-hour drive around the 400 acres of animals roaming freely. Our guide, Tonya, was extremely knowledgable about the biology of each species, as well as the personal background of the Individual animals.
Review by: Lydia F, September 2015
We really enjoyed ourselves. Our tour guide Danna was the BEST! She was very informative and addressed all our questions. We highly recommend this tour.
Review by: John C, September 2015
We have been to several africa themed parks and we both think this is the best. We were amazed when we discovered they also have breakfast, lunch, and dinner available by reservation and also have cottages for rent. Other visitors who stayed at a cottage say it was their best nights sleep because the mattresses were that good.
Review by: Betty H, September 2015
It was excellent. Thank you!
Review by: RUTH Z, September 2015
this venue exceeded my expectations. It was a fantastic experience. I did not spend the night, however. But the people I know who have spent the night there raved about it. I've already told several people I know they have to come here and experience it. Our guide was exceptional and was not only knowledgeable but she had a great sense of humor too.
Review by: David E, August 2015
Great time, especially for kids. Very professional guides and overall operation.
Review by: Susan S H, June 2015
GREAT!!!! GRANDKIDS 4 AND 6 HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. GUIDE WAS EXCELLENT AND WELL VERSED ON INFORMATIONS.
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